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Texas Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: What happens after an indictment for burglary in TX without documentation?

I was indicted for burglary of a building in Texas but have received no documentation or information about the incident. I found out about the indictment during my arrest. After posting bond and spending 4 days in jail, I had my arraignment there and was told my next court date is on February 3rd.... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Feb 25, 2025

Burglary is a serious Felony in TX. If it is NOT a house where people live, the sentence range if found guilty is 180 days - 2 years. There are other factors that can enhance or increase the sentence range.

If you have a lawyer (hired or appointed), they have the obligation to file or...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: Questions about undisclosed indictment warrant and rights after arrest in TX.

I was arrested a month ago at my home on an indictment warrant from 2023 for burglary of a building, which I was unaware of. I called the police to report a burglary at my house, and the officer arrested me at my door, stating there was a warrant for my arrest. I have never received any... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Feb 22, 2025

Your question is a bit hard to get out of the statement you gave. So I will try to walk through it, step by step.

So, when you called the police about a burglary at your house, they arrived, spoke to you, then told you there was a warrant out for your arrest.

The police are...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Criminal Law and Legal Malpractice for Texas on
Q: Seeking appeal guidance for unjust 33-year sentence for possession in Texas.

My family member has been sentenced to 33 years for simple possession of more than four but less than 400 grams of a Schedule 2 narcotic. We believe the sentence is unjust. Her previous lawyer advised her to take an open plea, which led to this sentence, and has since withdrawn after being paid... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Feb 21, 2025

In Texas:

First, you MUST file a Notice of Appeal, and file it with the Clerk of the Court from which the sentence was imposed.

Second, you must serve the Notice of Appeal on the District Attorney's Office from the County where you were convicted.

Third, If you go past...
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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: Do I disclose a sealed record for a name change in TX?

I am applying for a name change in Harris County, Texas, and the application asks if I have ever been charged with a Class A or B misdemeanor or felony, requesting an FBI or SID number if applicable. Over 20 years ago, in the state of Florida, I was charged with tampering with physical evidence and... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Feb 21, 2025

I would have to see the paperwork for the sealed record. If your case

did not result in a conviction of any kind, and there is a Court Order Sealing the record of the arrest and the court proceedings, then you may answer the question in the negative - NO.

The reason I say the above...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: Can I sue if expunged charges still show on background checks?

I had a felony charge that was no-billed and a misdemeanor charge that was dismissed about 10 years ago, and I paid for both to be expunged. I have the court order confirming the expungement. However, I am facing rejections from jobs because these charges appear on background checks, although I... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 21, 2025

Expunging a criminal record only removes it from court records. Data and background check companies have programs that constantly scrape public records databases. They find the record of your arrest within days of it happening and case disposition records within days of the order being signed.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Texas on
Q: Can statute limitations start from arrest date not incident?

I was in a car accident in Texas in December 2022 while intoxicated and was hospitalized for two weeks. I dislocated my hip, used a cane, and attended physical therapy. I turned myself in in August 2023, but the authorities claim the statute of limitations starts from August 2023, not from the... View More

Jim  Butler
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answered on Feb 19, 2025

The question I have is when did they file the criminal information for the DWI and the carrying a weapon cases? The statue of limitations on a Misdemeanor in Texas is two years. So they had two years from December 2022 to file charges. So hypothetically, if charges were not filed until January of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Texas on
Q: Can statute limitations start from arrest date not incident?

I was in a car accident in Texas in December 2022 while intoxicated and was hospitalized for two weeks. I dislocated my hip, used a cane, and attended physical therapy. I turned myself in in August 2023, but the authorities claim the statute of limitations starts from August 2023, not from the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 19, 2025

No, they cannot. But the statute of limitations only governs how long from when the even happened must the formal charges be filed. As long as the formal charges are filed within the prescribed time period, the statute of limitations is met. Typically, the formal charges can be amended even... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Contracts for Texas on
Q: Clarify bail bond POA and indigent status issues in Texas.

In Montgomery County, Texas, I posted a bail bond for $500 and later realized there was a Power of Attorney (POA) granted through the bond without my knowledge. I've never seen or had the terms explained, and I'm unsure about any financial implications. In addition, there is confusion... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Feb 17, 2025

When you enter into an agreement with a Bonding company, you sign a contract. You are then bound to the terms. There are lots of rules that the Bond Co. must follow. You can see the rules in the Penal code. It is available on the internet.

The $400 is probably the pro-rated fee for your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: Legal trouble for not reporting child abuse in TX?

In 2020, a child told me about possible abuse, but at the time, she said she was lying because she was mad, so I didn't report it. In 2024, she reported the incident to her mother, who then reported it to the authorities. The detectives contacted me, and I truthfully shared all the child had... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Feb 16, 2025

I will answer the question without knowing who you are, and whether or not you work for the State. Most State, and municipal workers have a duty to report child abuse. So do Doctors, nurses, social workers, and others who work with children.

Failing to report for the reason you gave in your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: Legal trouble for not reporting child abuse in TX?

In 2020, a child told me about possible abuse, but at the time, she said she was lying because she was mad, so I didn't report it. In 2024, she reported the incident to her mother, who then reported it to the authorities. The detectives contacted me, and I truthfully shared all the child had... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 17, 2025

Apart from John Cucci's advice, with which I wholeheartedly agree, it may be very helpful for you to consult him or another attorney about what you should expect as a witness in such a case. You should be prepared for various lines of questioning that I think are likely to occur that will be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Can I use my firearm in self-defense while driving if threatened with a gun?

I experienced a situation where another driver attempted to run me off the road while pointing a firearm at me, making me fear for my life. I also carry a firearm but chose not to use it, as I was unsure about the legality of firing from a moving vehicle. There were probably witnesses and camera... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Feb 16, 2025

I assume you are NOT a convicted Felon nor convicted of any Domestic Violence crimes in the past 10 years.

The fact that you were mobile, and probably had numerous options to get out of the situation with little effort. would not be good for you, if you shot at him.

The TX law...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: How can I argue in court that my truck, seized as contraband, is not involved in a drug case?

My truck was seized by the police, and they are claiming it's contraband after drugs were found in it. My employee was driving the truck at the time, and I was not involved. The employee was supposed to take the truck to the shop, and I did not authorize any other use. I have not received any... View More

Michael Hamilton Rodgers
Michael Hamilton Rodgers
answered on Feb 16, 2025

The answer is that you shouldn't even try to argue this by yourself without counsel. You should redouble your efforts and find a lawyer.... QUICKLY.

I think you should be able to find a young man or woman who would be willing to jump right into this.

By the way, the facts...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: What would stop the dismissal of a felony case the 180 days is up after the indictment?

My son was indicted on felon charges July 10, 2024. He was incarcerated in the neighboring county since August 2, 2024 then sent to TDJC December 13, 2024 where his is now serving time on another charge. All court hearings were schedule from August 23, 2024-October 1, 2024 while he was still less... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 11, 2025

There is a 180-day rule that applies between being arrested for an offense and being indicted that provides the arrestee must be released from jail on a personal recognizance bond if the arrestee is not indicted within 180 days.

But there is no 180-day rule post-indictment. He is entitled...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Question around wife shoplifting case - Need recommendations

In Texas, wife caught shoplifting and was arrested value $255, I bond her out and waiting for her court date, she is 1st time offender & she is on H4 Visa. would like to discuss few options how to best handle this situation

• Can we request department store to drop charge by... View More

Madolyn García Falone
Madolyn García Falone
answered on Feb 10, 2025

You’ve got a lot of questions here, but the ultimate answer is that you need to *call a lawyer*, have a consultation with them to get the answers and perspective you need, then hire that lawyer to defend your wife. The stakes are much higher considering her immigration status.

The store...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: Can you file a civil case Against the sheriff that has violated your civil rights.

If you violated a protective order that you were told was lifted but was not and then a sheriff came over and tried to arrest you with a warrant that he wouldn't show you and you were in your house and he was not invited in. He reached through the doorway and grabbed your wrist and you stepped... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 8, 2025

Yes, there could be a lawsuit. Bring the videotape of the incident to a lawyer who practices in the area of civil rights law in or near the county where the incident occurred. One of the very best dealing with civil rights cases against law enforcement officers is S. Lee Merritt.

As the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: Being charged with block 911 called but the verzion has no records of any called being made
Madolyn García Falone
Madolyn García Falone
answered on Feb 5, 2025

Interfering with a 911 call can happen in various ways, not just hanging up the phone when someone has successfully called 911. If the defendant allegedly snatched the victim’s phone away, for example. Especially if your charges came in the context of family violence allegations, you need to hire... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Sexual Harassment, Family Law and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: What law practice does suing for child abuse and neglect fall under and how to find a lawyer for such an incident

This would include assault of a child, neglect of any type and sexual harassment

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 3, 2025

If the lawsuit will be against someone for monetary damages, the lawsuit falls into the area of practice known as personal injury law.

If the lawsuit will be to terminate or modify the parent-child relationship, it falls with the area of practice known as family law.

These types...
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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Criminal Law, Real Estate Law and Business Law for Texas on
Q: We rented a space to someone on our storage facility. He began living in the space & we allowed it but now want him gone

We own the 15-acre facility & pay taxes every year. Due to his financial situation, we allowed him to stay & work in lieu of rent. Nothing in writing was ever done about this arrangement, all verbal. He's using his truck & camper shell to live in behind our office. Last Friday,... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 23, 2025

Because there is no agreement to pay rent, you must give him 30-days advance written notice to vacate for the reasons stated in your question. If he fails to surrender possession of the premises to you after 30 days, you must file an eviction suit in the justice of peace for the precinct where the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: I'm being charged with willing n knowing having stolen property and the person that gave them to me saying I didn't

An my bondsmen went off my bond cause I didn't have the money n court is coming up

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr. pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 20, 2025

I didn't see a question in your posting.

The basics in a criminal matter are as follows:

1. Do NOT talk to police or the DA's office about anything. You are only required to give your name and address.

2. Remember that Bondsmen/Bondswomen, are usually NOT on your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: Why is it on this case Derek Paredes v the state of texas, the evidence isn't 100% proof, but he still got convicted?

I'm curious on why they relied on prior cases instead of technology.?

I'm interested to know more.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 16, 2025

From the appellate opinion, it does not appear that any type of "technology" is involved. The victims of the sexual assaults testified what happened. The defendant's attorney attempted to raise questions as to the consistency and reliability of the victims' testimony. A jury,... View More

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